The influence of ruminant digestion on the germination of Pennisetum clandestinum hochst. ex chiov¹

Research conducted on the Nooitgedacht Research Station, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Ermelo.

Abstract

Approximately half of the viable Pennisetum clandestinum seed fed to sheep was found to be viable after passing through the digestive system. 82 % of the viable seed was excreted within 28 hours of ingestion with no viable seed being excreted after 52 hours after ingestion. These results have important implications for the dispersion of this species.

Uittreksel

Omtrent die helfte van die kiemkragtige saad wat aan skape gevoer is, was kiemkragtig nadat dit deur die verteringskanaal beweeg het. 82 % van hierdie kiemkragtige saad is binne 28 uur uitgeskei en geen kiemkragtige saad is na 52 uur na inname uitgeskei nie. Die resultate hou belangrike implikasies vir die verspreiding van hierdie spesies in.

Additional index words:

• Kikuyu
• sheep

Notes

Research conducted on the Nooitgedacht Research Station, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Ermelo.